This bulletin highlights recently produced documents that have appeared on websites. The aim is to trawl the web and produce a fortnightly review of what is found (coverage may not be comprehensive). If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this Bulletin, please send an email to library.pct@sthk.nhs.uk. All links are correct at time of publishing. Some documents are large and may take time to open so please be patient when waiting for links to open. If a link is incorrect please email me and I will correct the link and send you the document.For those that are receiving this through an email or through a third party you can view the original Bulletin at http://www.newdocumentsbulletin.blogspot.com/ and also sign up to receive the Bulletin by RSS.
Pandemic influenza toolkit for NHS ambulance services in England (1st September 2009)This toolkit is part of the Department of Health’s (DH) programme for improving and enhancing the preparedness within NHS ambulance services for managing pandemic influenza. The aim is to support ambulance trusts in the delivery of an operational response. The body of the toolkit provides a summary statement of individual topics and signposts to further information, websites and material published by DH.
Toolkit
Chemotherapy Services in England: Ensuring Quality and Safety (21st August 2009)The final report from the National Chemotherapy Advisory Group takes account of the responses received during the consultation period.
The report aims to bring about a step change in the quality and safety of chemotherapy services for adult patients with either solid cancers or haematological malignancies and many of the recommendations are applicable in the care of children and young people. It highlights the need to improve both elective chemotherapy services and acute oncology services.
Report Projection of Mesothelioma Mortality in Great Britain (24th August 2009)This research makes projections on the number of deaths from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It uses and refines a statistical model based on a simple birth-cohort model, which assumes that the risk of mesothelioma depends on age and years of exposure and that an individual’s asbestos exposure depends on the year of exposure.
Report
Swine flu pandemic advice (12th August 2009)The Care Quality Commission have developed advice for care providers during the swine flu pandemic. They have also specific questions and answers.
Information The safer management of controlled drugs - Annual Report 2008 (27th August 2009)The Care Quality Commission (CQC) today (Thursday) published a report detailing significant progress in implementing regulations introduced in response to the Shipman Inquiry, to monitor controlled drugs.
The Shipman Inquiry found that ineffective monitoring had allowed Dr Harold Shipman to obtain large quantities of diamorphine, which he used to kill at least 15 and possibly up to 200 patients.
The Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2006 were introduced in January 2007. This is the second report on implementation of the regulations and covers progress made during 2008.
Report
Press Release
National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare: addendum to impact assessment and equality impact assessment (12th August 2009)This update should read as an addendum to the impact assessment published in 2007.
Update
Early Identification, Assessment of Needs and Intervention: The common assessment framework for children and young people - A guide for practitioners (21st August 2009)This guidance for practitioners has been updated and re-titled in order to reflect policy developments and include revisions identified in consultation with practitioners and managers across the children and young people’s workforce
Guidance Early Identification, Assessment of Needs and Intervention: The common assessment framework for children and young people - A guide for managers (21st August 2009)This guidance for managers has been updated and re-titled in order to reflect policy developments and include revisions identified in consultation with practitioners and managers across the children and young people’s workforce.
Guidance The Team Around the Child (TAC) and the lead professional: A guide for managers (21st August 2009)This guidance has been updated in order to reflect policy developments and include revisions identified in consultation with practitioners and managers across the children and young people’s workforce.
Guidance Fit for the Future (26th August 2009)A new free leaflet called “Fit for the Future” has been produced by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the British Dietetic Association (BDA).
It sets out simple advice and ideas to get children active and eating healthily.
Leaflet
2007-08 Citizenship Survey (27th August 2009)The Citizenship Survey is the biggest survey of its kind in England and Wales and asks for people's views about the local area, community cohesion, discrimination, values, interaction, civic engagement, volunteering and charitable giving.
Results show that:
- More than half of respondents chose respect for the law (57 per cent) and tolerance and politeness towards others (56 per cent)
- White people (57 per cent) and people from ethnic minority groups (58 per cent) were similarly likely to cite respect for the law; and
- More than a third of respondents chose equal opportunities (38 per cent), freedom of speech (36 per cent) and that everyone should speak English (36 per cent).
The two reports published today (2007-08 Citizenship Survey: Community Cohesion Topic Report and 2007-08 Citizenship Survey: Identity and Values Topic Report) are produced every year and provide further detail on quarterly statistical releases.
Survey
Sustaining a Healthy Future. Taking action on climate change. Special focus on the NHS (18th August 2009)Climate change is arguably the greatest public health challenge facing us in the 21st century. With a carbon footprint of over 18 million tonnes of CO2 – more than some large cities – the NHS is the UK public sector’s biggest single carbon emitter. But in a joint-letter sent out to NHS managers today, the organisation is being told that with strong leadership and the right action it has the potential to make huge reductions and significant savings in lives and money.
Press Release
Handbook
World class commissioning (WCC) summer update July August 2009 (18th August 2009)This letter from Gary Belfield gives a progress report on the world class commissioning (WCC) programme for July and August. It includes updates on the launch of assurance year two, the PBC National Clinical Network, a new film showcasing PBC in action, some new support and development resources and an update on the programme of Integrated Care Pilots (ICP).
Update
Summary of responses to consultation: Chemotherapy Services in England: Ensuring quality and safety (21st August 2009)This is the summary of responses to the consultation that was held 12th November 2008 - 4th February 2009.
Responses
Consultation on a review of Parental Order Regulations (1st September 2009)A Parental Order transfers parenthood from the surrogate (and her husband or partner if she has one) to the couple who commission the surrogacy arrangement.
This consultation is on the Draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Parental Orders) Regulations. They replace the Parental Orders (Human Fertilisation and Embryology) Regulations 1994 and the Parental Orders (Human Fertilisation and Embryology) (Scotland) Regulations 1994. They will bring the processes for granting Parental Orders more closely into line with updated adoption legislation.
Closing date for comments is 23rd November 2009.
ConsultationManual for cancer services draft radiotherapy measures (27th August 2009)A draft version of the radiotherapy measures, for inclusion in the Manual of Cancer Services is being issued for a three-month consultation.
Closing date for comments is 27th November 2009.
ConsultationThe framework for responsible officers and their duties relating to the medical profession: a consultation on responsible officer regulations and guidance (25th August 2009)The Department of Health are consulting on draft regulations and guidance relating to the roles and responsibilities of responsible officers. The draft regulations set out the legal framework for introducing responsible officers. The guidance expands on the regulations and describes the role that responsible officers will play in supporting organisations and doctors, as they strive to improve quality of care.
Closing date for comments is 25th October 2009.
ConsultationConsultation on the Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice for health and social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance; and Prevention and control of infection in care homes (a supporting guidance document for providers of adult social care) (13th August 2009)The Department of Health are consulting on two separate, but linked publications:
- a draft 'Health and social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance' and,
- a draft supporting document 'Prevention and control of infection in care homes'
This consultation is required due to changes introduced under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 involving the recent establishment of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the introduction of a new registration framework for all providers of regulated activities in health care and adult social care in England.
Closing date for comments is 6th November 2009.
Consultation Serious Incident Reporting and Learning Framework (SIRL) (14th August 2009)The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) is seeking comments from interested organisations and individuals concerning the National Framework for Reporting and Learning from Serious Incidents Requiring Investigation.
This document is the first release of a proposed new National Framework for the management of serious incidents (previously known as Serious Untoward Incidents/ SUIs) occurring in the NHS and those parts of the Independent Sector which provide NHS services in England .
Closing date for comments is 13th November 2009.
Consultation
Local self-assessment audit for assessing implementation of HTM 01-05: decontamination in primary care dental practices and related infection prevention and control issues (24th August 2009)This audit tool has been produced jointly by the Department and the Infection Prevention Society, to allow practices to assess their level of compliance with the HTM 01-05: decontamination in primary care dental practices. It will allow practices to identify areas where they need to improve the quality of the decontamination process to achieve essential quality requirements and best practice, as identified in the guidance document.
Audit Tool
Diabetes support literature specifically designed for different age groups (11th August 2009)BD Medical - Diabetes Care, a unit of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), announced today the full UK availability of its new patient support literature in versions designed specifically for different age groups.
The guides clearly and simply describe best practice for blood sampling and self-injection of insulin using language and imagery appropriate for each age group: children; teenagers; adults and older patients.
Information
Growing up with diabetes
Parental Experience of Services for Disabled Children - Qualitative Research (27th August 2009)This piece of work aimed to explore parents’ experiences and views of the range of services they access and use in relation to their disabled child. Research was intended to identify and explore the factors that underpin and influence experiences and satisfaction levels, with a specific objective to explore perceptions around each of the five ‘core offer’ elements.
Report Parental Experience of Services for Disabled Children - National Survey (27th August 2009)The survey was a two stage postal one. A screener questionnaire identified eligible households with a disabled child and they were then sent a second and longer questionnaire which asked about their experiences of services received in the last 12 months across health, education and care and family support service. The survey questions focused on the five core elements - information; transparency; assessment; participation; and feedback.
Survey
Access to Specialist Neuromuscular Care: The Walton Report (24th August 2009)The Inquiry was launched in December 2008 to carry out an in-depth investigation looking at access to specialist, multi-disciplinary care for people living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. This arose from the concerns of the All Party Parliamentary Group that the existing specialist services in the four leading neuromuscular centres were vulnerable through their reliance on charitable funding and the lack of succession planning for the leading clinicians.
The Parliamentary Inquiry has received both written and oral evidence that underlines the need for urgent action to improve and strengthen multi-disciplinary health care for this vulnerable group of patients living with rare and very rare conditions.
Report
National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan. Annual Progress Report 2008-09 (21st August 2009)This report covers progress on early identification of domestic violence, capacity building to improve support for victims and improvements to the way the criminal justice system deals with domestic violence.
Report
Food route: a journey through food (10th August 2009)'Food route: a journey through food' is a range of colourful age-appropriate resources designed and developed to enable young people to gain food-related skills and knowledge.
Informed by young people themselves, and their teachers, the resources bring the Food Standard Agency's food competences to life.
Resources New online learning tool launched to help kids protect themselves from infections (3rd September 2009)School children across England and Europe can now learn about protecting themselves from swine flu and other infections, following today's launch of an education programme and interactive website by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
e-Bug is made up of educational activities for primary and secondary school-age children, complemented by online games, on microbes, hygiene, antibiotic use and vaccines. The programme features age-appropriate animated characters and cartoon microbes; and lesson plans and materials for teachers. Topics include hygiene measures to stop the spread of swine flu and other respiratory infections.
Press Release
Website
Healthy lunch and bowls for over 50s (14th August 2009)‘Fit as a fiddle’ is a national programme supported by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund and delivered by Age Concern. It aims to improve the health and wellbeing of older people, promoting physical activity, healthy eating and developing ‘active networks’ for the over-50s.
Information
Shared Record Professional Guidance (SRPG) (18th August 2009)The purpose of the Shared Record Professional Guidance (SRPG) project was to develop a set of professionally led guidelines that would consider the governance, medico-legal and patient safety consequences of Shared Electronic Patient Record (SEPR) systems in primary care. Dr Alan Hassey FRCGP said "The publication of these SRPG principles, underpinned by sound research, is likely to guide and accelerate the processes of information sharing that are crucial for improving care.
We hope the report, which was commissioned by NHS Connecting for Health (NHS CFH), will prove immediately useful to a wide range of professional groups, and that the principles established are worthy of wider consideration throughout the NHS."
Guidance
News
Change4Life has only just started! An update on how the campaign is doing (27th August 2009)The Change4Life team have sent out a letter to healthcare professionals to let them know that Change4Life has had a very positive response from young families in its first six months. The letter also recommends that healthcare professionals register as Change4Life Local Supporters and points out the ways they can support the campaign.
A booklet and poster were enclosed with the letter – the booklet offers information about what Local Supporters can practically do to support the campaign, where to find free support materials and offers examples of what is already happening at a local level.
Letter, Booklet and Poster
HIV & AIDS in the North West of England 2008 (24th August 2009)Annual 2008 statistics from HIV treatment and care centres in the North West of England.
Report
When it comes to the crunch... (12th August 2009)This report is the second in a series of Audit Commission reports looking at how local authorities are responding to the 2008/09 recession. The report finds that local and national government have made a positive initial response to the recession, but it warns that councils should prepare for worsening social impact as unemployment rises. Demand for benefits, welfare and help with debt are growing, and social problems such as domestic violence and mental ill-health are expected to follow as the recession deepens.
Report Carers Strategy Demonstrator Sites Project Funding Allocations 2009/10 (13th August 2009)This circular explains arrangements for the first year of 13 Local Authority lead Carers Strategy Demonstrator Sites in 2009/10. 12 PCTs will also be funded for Carers Strategy Demonstrator Sites in 2009/10 via PCT allocations.
Circular
Safer Births. Supporting maternity services to improve safety (24th August 2009)The Safer Births programme, a partnership between The King's Fund, National Patient Safety Agency, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives, Centre for Maternal and child Enquiries and NHS Litigation Authority, ran regional interactive events in early 2009 for an invited audience of heads of midwifery, lead obstetricians and risk managers. The events were designed to help maternity units reflect on current practice, challenges to improving safety and their local priorities. They offered the opportunity for professionals to develop local solutions as a team, share experiences and learn about a range of methods used in improvement work and patient safety.
The short report sets out the views of the maternity professionals who attended the events. Ensuring safe services was the highest priority for staff across the four regions involved – Yorkshire and the Humber, North East, North West and London. The report reveals many examples of innovative local practice with maternity professionals developing better ways of working, improved handovers, joint training and user-friendly summaries of clinical guidelines.
Report
Information
DIY Happiness project: safeguarding mental health (18th August 2009)DIY Happiness is being led by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SlaM). DIY Happiness uses humour, creativity and evidence emerging from the field of positive psychology to provide practical advice and information that will increase people's ability to 'bounce back' from adversity, reduce both the physical and the psychological impact of stress, increase resilience, and build durable personal resources.
Information Mental Health Network factsheet (14th August 2009)The Mental Health Network has produced a factsheet on key statistics and trends in mental health.
Key facts and trends in mental health outlines relevant data available on:
- Trends in morbidity and behaviour
- Wider societal changes and challenges
- NHS budget and spending trends on mental health
- Service activity
- Quality, safety and user experience
- Staffing levels and staff satisfaction
Factsheet Psychiatric services for Black and minority ethnic older people (25th August 2009)This report, from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, examines what changes have occurred in services offered to black and minority ethnic (BME) older people since the College's original report was published in 2001. Although a few examples of good practice have emerged, the 2009 review report claims progress in developing and improving services "has been slow".
Report
Press Release
Business case for the NHS staff survey (19th August 2009)These resource materials have been produced by the Intitute of Employment Studies on behalf of the Department of Health which start to detail the evidence base for the NHS staff survey, as well as case studies from public and private sector organisations explaining how and why their staff surveys have improved effectiveness. This resource will be updated periodically.
Resources NHS Health and Well-being Review - Interim Report (19th August 2009)The Boorman Review has now published its Interim Report, setting out emerging findings and initial recommendations on NHS staff health and well-being.
The Interim Report lays out the business case for change and makes recommendations for improvement in provision. Its findings are based on evidence gathered from across the NHS and its stakeholders; with over 200 responses from experts and Trusts to the Call for Evidence, and 11,000 staff completing the staff perception survey; through engagement with staff and managers at workshops and meetings across the country, and information on best practice drawn from a comprehensive literature review.
Report NHS Number public awareness programme update (18th August 2009)There is to be no national NHS Number public awareness campaign, by either the Department of Health (DH) or by NHS Connecting for Health.
Following a number of queries from local organisations, the NHS Number Programme would like to clarify plans about how to improve the public's awareness of the programme.
A collaborative pilot project, exploring a possible way of informing patients of their NHS Number, was carried out with North Tees primary care trusts (PCTs).
It is recommended that strategic heath authorities (SHAs) and PCTs undertake NHS Number public awareness campaigns at a regional or local level.
Information
Cetuximab for the first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer - Technology Appraisal TA176 (26th August 2009)Cetuximab given with other drugs called 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and oxaliplatin is recommended as a possible first treatment for people with metastatic colorectal cancer only when:
- surgery to remove the cancer in the colon or rectum has been carried out or is possible
- the metastases are only in the liver and cannot be removed surgically before treatment
- the person is fit enough to have surgery to remove the cancer inthe colon or rectum and to have liver surgery if it becomes possible to remove the metastases after cetuximab treatment
- the manufacturer refunds 16% of the amount of cetuximab used on a per patient basis.
Cetuximab given with 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and irinotecan is recommended as a possible first treatment for people with metastatic colorectal cancer only when:
- surgery to remove the cancer in the colon or rectum has been carried out or is possible
- the metastases are only in the liver and cannot be removed surgically before treatment
- the person is fit enough to have surgery to remove the cancer in the colon or rectum and to have liver surgery if it becomes possible to remove the metastases after cetuximab treatment
- the person cannot take oxaliplatin because of its side effects or contraindications.
GuidanceAlitretinoin for the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema - Technology Appraisal TA177 (26th August 2009)Alitretinoin is recommended as a possible treatment for people with severe chronic hand eczema if:
- their eczema has not improved with treatments called potent topical corticosteroids and
- standard assessments show that their eczema is severe and is affecting their quality of life.
Alitretinoin treatment should be stopped:
- as soon as the eczema has clearly improved or
- if the eczema remains severe after 12 weeks or
- if the eczema has not clearly improved after 24 weeks.
GuidanceExtracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory Achilles tendinopathy - Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG312 (26th August 2009)Achilles tendinopathy is a condition of the tendon which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is usually caused by overuse or injury. Symptoms include pain in the lower calf and back of the heel, and weakness or stiffness. In extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a machine is used to deliver sound waves to the painful area. It is not known exactly how it works, but it is thought that it might stimulate healing.
GuidanceExtracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory plantar fasciitis - Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG311 (26th August 2009)Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition affecting the connective tissue that stretches between the heel and the middle of the foot. It is usually caused by overuse, injury or muscular abnormalities. In extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a machine is used to deliver sound waves to the painful area. It is not known exactly how it works, but it is thought that it might stimulate healing of the fascia.
GuidanceExtracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory tennis elbow - Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG313 (26th August 2009)Tennis elbow is a condition affecting the tendons of the elbow which connect the muscles of the forearm to the upper arm bone. It may be associated with tiny tears in the fibres of the tendon and is usually caused by overuse or injury. Symptoms include pain in the outer part of the elbow, weakness or stiffness. In extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a machine is used to deliver sound waves to the painful area. It is not known exactly how it works, but it is thought that it might stimulate healing of the tendons.
GuidancePercutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair for mitral regurgitation - Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG309 (26th August 2009)Mitral regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backwards. This can lead to shortness of breath and the heart may be unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. During percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair, a catheter is inserted through the skin via a large vein in the groin or neck and passed through to the heart. The two leaflets of the mitral valve are partially clipped or sewn together to reduce the amount of blood leaking backwards.
GuidancePlacement of pectus bar for pectus excavatum (also known as MIRPE or the Nuss procedure) - Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG310 (26th August 2009)Pectus excavatum is an abnormality of the chest in which the breastbone sinks inward (sometimes called funnel chest). Problems associated with pectus excavatum are mainly cosmetic, although the condition can impair cardiac and respiratory function. Placement of a pectus bar for pectus excavatum (also known as the Nuss procedure) involves placing one or two steel (pectus) bars under the breastbone with the aim of raising it and correcting the abnormal shape. The bar, which is bent into a curve to fit the patient’s chest, is inserted through small openings in the chest. The bar (or bars) are usually removed within a few years of placement.
GuidanceBevacizumab (first-line), Sorafenib (first-and second-line), sunitinib (second-line) and temsirolimus (first-line) for the treatment of advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma - Technology Appraisal TA178 (26th August 2009)Bevacizumab, sorafenib and temsirolimus are not recommended as first drug treatments for people with advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Sorafenib and sunitinib are not recommended as second drug treatments for people with advanced and/or metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Specialists should not stop prescribing bevacizumab, sorafenib, sunitinib and temsirolimus for people who were already taking them when the guidance was issued. These people should be able to carry on taking bevacizumab, sorafenib, sunitinib and temsirolimus until they and their specialists decide that it is the right time to stop treatment.
GuidanceUltrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for varicose veins - Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG314 (26th August 2009)Varicose veins are veins that have become wider than normal and are unable to transport blood properly. Symptoms include heaviness, aching, throbbing, itching, cramps or fatigue in the legs. In severe cases, patients may have skin discolouration, inflammation, or skin ulcers. Foam sclerotherapy involves injecting a foam (which may either be a prepared product, or produced by mixing a chemical with air or other gas) into the affected vein. This inflames the vein and causes it to close Sometimes patients may need more than one injection to block the vein.
Guidance
Supporting children and young people with diabetes: guidance for nurses in schools and early years settings (11th August 2009)The prevalence of diabetes amongst children and young people is increasing, and requires different and more complex management than diabetes in adults. Although diabetes should not prevent a child from participating in school and extra-curricular activities, research shows that children with diabetes miss significantly more school than their non-diabetic peers. The RCN is aware of inequality in the care provision of children and young people with diabetes, and has outlined the principles that need to be put in place to ensure their needs are met. This guidance is aimed health care professionals and education staff who are caring for children and young people with diabetes. It includes key facts about the Disability Discrimination Act, how to draw up individualised care plans and emergency procedures, and how to access support. The aim is to ensure that children and young people receive appropriate care without prejudicing their health or education.
Guidance Rheumatology nursing: results of a survey exploring the performance and activity of rheumatology (10th August 2009)Rheumatology services have to date not been included in any national policy initiatives. This survey report provides preliminary data about the work and activity of nurses working in the rheumatology field. The publication provides an up to date snapshot of rheumatology nursing services in the UK and identifies the scope and breadth of nursing activity, while enabling nurses to compare their skills and competences against other specialists in their field of practice. It also provides an important resource for commissioners, seeking to understand and plan the provision of the specialist support and workforce needs, to commission and deliver high quality patient care.
Publication
Exercise Cold Play II (13th August 2009)Exercise Cold Play II is a Department of Health funded exercise designed as an ‘off the shelf’ package for use by health organisations and partner organisations within the UK. It has been developed from experience gained in previous pandemic influenza exercises and is intended to provide a generic format which can be adapted to suit the selected target audience. This exercise has been updated from the original Cold Play to ensure it is in-line with the Department of Health Pandemic Influenza Plan 2007.
Guidance Swine flu: UK planning assumptions (3rd September 2009)This document contains revised planning assumptions in relation to the current A(H1N1) Swine Flu pandemic. The assumptions are intended to provide a common agreed basis for planning across all public and private sector organisations.
These assumptions are revised, reasonable worst case scenarios for planning purposes, based on the latest scientific evidence available on the A(H1N1) virus so far. They are not predictions of how we expect the virus to behave. They support effective planning for every eventuality.
These revised assumptions are appropriate for use until the end of the 2009/10 "seasonal flu" season - i.e. until Mid-May 2010.
Document
Assessments of parenting and parenting support need (12th August 2009)This study looks at how a range of health, education and family practitioners make their assessments of parenting and parenting support need. It also considers if and how these ideas were affected by factors such as practitioners' own experience of being a parent, relationships with their own parents, their ethnicity, social class, disability, and gender and that of the families they are working with. The project draws on 54 qualitative interviews with practitioners from four professional groups.
The study explores:
- the process for assessing parenting and parenting support need
- views on the nature of 'good', 'good enough' and 'risky' parenting
- the role played by practitioner and family diversity, reflection and training in this area.
Report
Keep on the road for longer (28th August 2009)If you're aged 50 or over then keeping your body in good condition is important. Taking full advantage of health checks and services, where they are available, could help keep you up and running for longer.
A range of health checks and services are available locally, ranging from eye tests to flu vaccinations. Combining these with keeping physically active, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight will help you increase your chances of enjoying a healthy and happy later life. The old adage, “prevention is better than cure” is as true today as it has ever been.
This leaflet gives details of current entitlements and services you may be able to access, and when.
Leaflet About MRSA: information for people going into hospital - easy read (27th August 2009)This is an easy read version of a leaflet called MRSA screening: a positive result. This leaflet is for people who need to go into hospital for an operation or other treatment who are carrying the MRSA germ.
Leaflet Identifying unhealthy kidneys: what do I need to know about proteinuria? Information for patients (26th August 2009)This leaflet aimed at patients explains the meaning of proteinuria, cases, signs and tests to determine proteinuria. It also covers how to manage diabetes and high blood pressure with proteinuria.
This is part of a pack of information on proteinuria testing. Information sheets for GPs and labs have been published on the Department of Health website.
Leaflet Managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Information for you (2nd September 2009)The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have produced this patient information leaflet which explains all about PMS and how to manage it.
LeafletUmbilical cord prolapse in late pregnancy - Information for you (2nd September 2009)The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have produced this patient information leaflet which explains what a cord prolapse is and what to do.
Leaflet
Patients...not numbers, People...not statistics (27th August 2009)As a consistent pattern of shocking standards of care has emerged, the Patients Association, has decided to publish a number of these accounts to highlight the unacceptable experiences facing patients up and down the country on a regular basis. The Patients Association calls on Government and the Care Quality Commission to conduct an urgent review of the standards of basic care being received by patients in hospital and demands stricter supervision and regulation of hospital care.
Press Release
Report
Payment by Results data assurance framework 2008/09 (27th August 2009)This report presents the key findings and analysis of the 2008/09 national clinical coding audit programme managed by the Audit Commission under the Payment by Results (PbR) Data Assurance Framework.
The report shows that the number of errors made by NHS trusts under the Payment by Results (PbR) system is falling, but there are continuing concerns about the poor quality of some medical records.
Framework
PbR data assurance framework good practice and case studies
PbR results 2008/09 by organisation
Payment by Results update (14th August 2009)This briefing details the latest PbR developments.
Update
Poverty, inequality and human rights (3rd September 2009)People working to tackle poverty in the UK are increasingly interested in using human rights in their work. This study looks at how this has been done in other countries, its impact on affected communities, debate, policy and government programmes, and its relevance for the UK.
The report covers:
- how human rights have been used to understand poverty;
- how communities experiencing poverty use human rights to act against injustice, build alliances between disparate groups, and articulate their conditions and claims;
- the tools that communities and their allies use to hold the state accountable for its human rights obligations;
- how human rights have been implemented in practice in anti-poverty work by governments and other organisations; and
- lessons for integrating human rights and anti-poverty work in the UK.
Report
Pandemic flu: planning & responding to primary care capacity challenges (20th August 2009)New guidance has been published for PCTs on how to deliver primary care services whilst potentially short staffed and how to cope with increased patient demand during the pandemic and the anticipated seasonal flu.
Guidance
Guidelines for the clinical management of people refusing food in immigration removal centres and prisons (28th August 2009)Information, for health professionals in prisons and immigration removal centres, on the physical effects of food refusal, the most effective practical and clinical management of individuals refusing to eat and drink, legal aspects and the relevance of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It also addresses the considerable dangers and risks associated with refeeding individuals who have been starving but who then decide to eat again.
Guidance Securing Employment for Offenders with Mental Health Problems. Towards a Better Way (2nd September 2009)
Enabling a person with a history of offending to get and keep a job is probably the most effective intervention anyone can make to prevent reoffending and improve their chances of leading a better life.
This policy paper examines how to improve the employment prospects of offenders with mental health problems.
Paper
Suicide in the North West: A review of non-residential and outdoor locations (20th August 2009)To help support an effective regional response to suicide, the North West Public Health Observatory (NWPHO) were commissioned by the North West Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP NW) to complete an analysis of non-residential suicide locations in the North West. NWPHO worked with a multi-partner network including CSIP NW, Greater Manchester Suicide Prevention Group, Government Office North West, Samaritans, the Highways Agency and the Fire and Rescue Service, among others, to achieve this. The full results of the analysis are contained in a confidential report, in which locations of suicides are identified. However, the additional report available here discusses findings of the study (without identifying specific locations) and provides insight into non-residential and outdoor suicide sites and potential interventions in the North West and beyond.
ReportHealth and Sustainability Factsheet 4: August 2009 (24th August 2009)The issue of the Health and Sustainability Factsheet deals with public health aspects of sustainable water.
Factsheet
Shopping the smokers (28th August 2009)Stop smoking services in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin see 7,000 people a year – one in 10 local smokers. This impressive reach has been achieved through running clinics in community settings such as village halls and supermarkets.
Information
Transfer of Learning Disability Social Care Funding and Commissioning from the NHS to local Government (25th August 2009)Since 1 April 2009, funding and commissioning responsibility of social care for adults with learning disabilities transferred from the NHS to local authorities. Further guidance on capital transfers and other financial and practical issues is provided.
Guidance
Terms and conditions of employment: the Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (Statutory Instrument 2009 No. 1567) (13th August 2009)The European Working Time Directive is health and safety legislation. The overriding principle is patient safety and high quality care. This is paramount to all that we do in the NHS. The Directive enables a good work / life balance for all NHS staff and in particular junior doctors in training.
A Statutory Instrument was laid in Parliament and lists those services whose derogation has been agreed by the Secretary of State. The amendment to the Working Time Regulations became law on 1 August 2009.
Regulations Health Administration - Sharing Good Practice in the Health Sector (August 2009)This guide, produced by Skills for Health, is for those interested in the latest developments in health administration and clerical roles.
This resource features:
- Case studies from the health sector
- Example of career profile mapped to
- the Career Framework for Health
- Apprenticeships information
- Changes in qualifications
- Suggested next steps.
Guide
